ARRANGEMENT IN STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS, FOR EXAMPLE FOR USE IN FURNITURE

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement in structural elements, e.g. in connection with furniture, in particular seating furniture or occasional furniture, comprising at least a first and second supporting member (1, 2a, 2b, 2c) each comprising an area (3a, 3b, 9a, 9b) with a cut-out (4a, 4a), the cut-outs (4a, 4a) being thus adapted to allow the supporting members (1, 2a, 2b, 2c) to be inserted retrievably into each other for mutual interconnection, and for that purpose it is proposed according to the invetion that the first supporting member (1) comprises a centre stem (3), divided or having a slit, with substantially slanting or partially curving or wave-shaped sliding/locking surfaces (103), and that the second supporting member (2a, 2b, 2c) comprises continuously adjustable supporting members with slanting or partially curved or wave-shaped sliding/locking surfaces (109, 110) relative to the divided centre stem (3).

Description: ARRANGEMENT IN STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS, FOR EXAMPLE FOR USE IN FURNITURE Background to the Invention The present invention relates to an arrangement in a structural element, for example in connection with a piece of furniture, in particular seating furniture or occasional furniture, comprising at least one first and second supporting member, each comprising a part with a cut-out, the cut-outs being so adapted as to enable the supporting members to be inserted retrievably into each other for inter-connecting. Prior art The present type of structural element is a further development of what is mentioned in Norwegian patent application 92.1285 in which reference is made to SE 358 286 (Ward), GB 1.365.103 (Andrews), GB 1.421.535 (Finlator) , GB 2.203.034 (Fraser) . The further develop¬ ment is also described in International Patent Application No. PCT/NO93/00054. Furthermore, known from FR patent specification 893 198 (Stoecklin) is a chair with an adjustable seat, the chair comprising a column which is at its forward edge fitted with a groove in which may slide a support which carries a seat. The groove in the column is, however, not through-going, and locking of the support and the seat is done by means of a screw inserted into one of several holes cut into the rear part of the column, while at the same time there is attached to the screw an arch encircling the rear edge of the column and from whose forward arch portions, springs extend which are connected to the support which carries the chair seat. The known chair comprises no divided centre stem with chiefly inclined or partially curved or wavy sliding/locking surfaces entailing that the known chair cannot be used as a general structural element, in particular not of the type stated initially. Nor can the known chair be made as a self-supporting unit but only as a single-foot chair which is either placed in an iron trimmed tube fitted into the floor, or hung on a wall in an upper arch at the top of the chair column. The Object of the Invention The objects of the present invention are the same as those stated in Applicants' Norwegian patent application No. 92.1285, and international patent application No. PCT/NO93/00054, that is, to provide structural elements or supporting members which: - may in a simple way which favours the user, form a base for one or several user surfaces which may be at dif¬ ferent levels and form different mutual angles with each other. - provide a particularly, stable structure when ready mounted, the actual elements included in the supporting members both alone and together with the user surfaces used contributing to stabilizing the elements of the sup¬ porting members relative to each other, - additionally provides a stable structure even if the elements included in the supporting members may be allowed to be yieldingly mounted, - in their dismantled state require little storage and transport space, and when being mounted require no or very elementary tools, while at the same time the moun¬ ting is easily done, - when used in connection with furniture, will easily fit into existing environments and combine with a number of furniture functions e.g. made into stools, chairs, chairs for kneeling-sitting, occasional tables, shelves, pedestals, small tables, long (refectory) tables etc. Brief Description of the Invention The objects stated above are achieved with an arrangement of the nature described initially which is according to the invention characterized through the attached patent claims. Advantageous features and further developments of the present invention will be evident from the description which follows, together with the drawings attached. Brief mention of the Figures Figures l and 2 are, respectively, a perspective frontal sketch and perspective sideways sketch of a first embodi¬ ment of a chair whereby the present invention is realised. Figures 3 and 4 show in perspective on a larger scale a detail of the chair according to Figures l and 2 at the upper, rear area of the said chair, Figure 3 being a per¬ spective outline viewed somewhat at an angle from above, while Figure 4 is a perspective outline viewed more directly from above. Figure 5 is a sideways sketch of the area shown in Figures 3 and 4 of the said chair, but comprise addi¬ tional details, especially with regard to fastening and locking devices. Figure 6 is a section along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a variant of the chair according to Figures 1 and 2, the foot rest having here been removed, and the back rest and the seat portion adjusted to low positions. Figure 8 is a perspective sketch, similar to Figure 7, showing the same chair with a higher adjustment of the position both of the back rest and the seat portion. Figure 9 is a perspective sketch of a lower section of an additional embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 is a sideways sketch of a variant of the inser¬ tion and locking devices according to the invention. Figure 11 is a section along the line XI-XI in Figure 10. Description of embodiments It shall be understood that the present arrangement can be used in connection with structural elements in general, but because the principle of the present arran¬ gement was developed specifically in connection with a piece of furniture, particularly seating furniture or occasional furniture, it will be referred to below as an arrangement which finds application in connection with a particular type of chair, without such a description limiting the invention. The chair shown in Figures 1-6 builds on a principle which may be recognised from NO patent application No. 92.1285, the chair or furniture M itself comprising a first supporting member 1 comprising a divided centre stem 3 comprising two centre stem columns, 3a and 3b respectively, defining between them a cut-out or slit 4a, the said slit 4a being held substantially constant by means of suitable arresting devices arranged between the centre stem columns 3a,3b e.g. in the form of guide pins, screws, bolts or such like as will be described below. The supporting member 1 also comprises a lower pair of leg elements 5a, 5b protruding in opposite directions at the root of the respective centre stem columns, 3a and 3b, respectively. As will be particularly evident from Figures 3-6, the centre stem columns 3a and 3b have been made with slanting surfaces 103 at the areas facing the centre stem slit 4a, and because of these slanting surfaces 103, it is possible to insert in a simple manner into the slit 4a continuously adjustable supporting members 2a, 2b, 2c, see in particular Figure 2, the said continuously adjust¬ able supporting members in turn being capable of sup¬ porting various surfaces or furniture parts which may be utilized by the user of the chair. In Figures 1-6, and in particular in Figure 2, is shown a first lower supporting member 2a comprising two suppor¬ ting elements 7a, 7b continuously mountable into the said centre stem slit 4a and in this case supporting a foot rest 12. Furthermore, particularly in Figure 2 is shown a second additional supporting member 2b comprising the supporting elements 8a and 8b, continuously mounted in the said centre stem slit 4a and in this case supporting a seat section 13. Finally, also shown in Figure 2 is an upper third sup- porting member 2c, comprising supporting elements 9a and 9b, also continuously mountable in the said centre stem slit 4a, while at the same time the supporting member 2c carries a back rest section 14. With reference specifically to Figures 2-6 it is evident that the last mentioned supporting member 2c comprises the forward supporting element 9a supporting the back rest section 14, and the rear supporting element 9b com¬ prising in turn a movable wedge section lOa being secured to the forward supporting element 9a via for example a threaded bolt 11, as well as a rotatable section lOb capable through rotation of the said threaded bolt 11, of making the wedge shaped section 10a interlock more tightly or less with the corresponding slanting surfaces 103 of the previously mentioned centre stem columns 3a and 3b. It should be understood that both the supporting element 9a and the movable wedge section 10b comprise slanting surfaces, 109 and 110 respectively, corresponding to the said slanting surfaces 103 of the centre stem columns 3a, 3b. Between the said wedge shaped section 10a and the rotat¬ able tightening part 10b there may suitably be arranged a yielding body 15 contributing towards firm and sound tightening of the supporting member 2c being, by means of the said items 9a, 10a and 10b in its loosened state capable of continuous adjustment upwards or downwards along the centre stem column 4a in order thus to be able to move the back rest section 14 secured to the sup¬ porting member 2c, to any suitable position of height. It should be understood that the intermediate supporting member 2b,comprising the forward supporting element 8a, which carries the chair seat section 13, has a rear sup¬ porting element 8b comprising, similarly to the rear supporting element 9b mentioned above, a wedge shaped section 10'a and a rotatable tightener part 10'b of the same function as the above mentioned parts lOa and 10b relative to the supporting member 2c. Correspondingly, there is a lower supporting member 2a carrying the foot rest 12, executed with the rear suppor¬ ting element 7b, comprising a wedge shaped part 10''a and a rotatable tightener part lθ"b. At its very root the divided centre stem 3 comprising the centre stem columns 3a and 3b has been mounted or fitted with a pair of leg elements 6a, 6b in order thus together with the lower pairs 5a and 5b of leg elements for the centre column 3 to form a stable foot cross for the actual piece of furniture M. In Figures 5 and 6 which show on a larger scale how one of the supporting members, in this case the supporting member 2c, is constructed, the forward supporting element 9a is reidentified capable for instance of supporting the back rest section 14, and the rear supporting element 9b comprising the movable wedge section 10a which is in turn secured to the forward supporting element 9a by means of the threaded bolt 11 shown schematically also in Figure 4. The bolt 11 extends from a holding piece 11a, e.g. a traverse nut, arranged in the forward supporting element 9a and backwards through the said forward supporting element 9a and through the slit 4a between the said centre stem columns 3a and 3b, through the said wedge section 10a and into the rotatable part 10b, and hence also through the yielding member 15 arranged between the wedge section 10a and the rotatable tightener part lOb. Inserted into the rotatable tightener part 10b is a threaded sleeve lib which on being rotated e.g. clockwise, will rotate on to the threaded bolt 11 and thus force the wedge part 10a into the slit 4a between the centre stem columns 3a, 3b while at the same time also the forward supporting element 9a with its slanting surfaces 103 will be forced correspondingly into the said slit 4a between the centre stem columns 3a and 3b. To achieve suitable control over the threaded bolt 11 there is on the actual bolt in the region of the slit 4a, arranged a bushing 16, e.g. of nylon, arranged with suit¬ able margins between the actual surfaces in the slit itself 4a. To maintain the two centre stem columns 3a and 3b at equidistance and thus an even centre stem slit 4a, at appropriate levels in the slit 4a holding devices are arranged to hold together the said centre stem columns 3a, 3b, executed here e.g. as glued wooden pegs 17. In order further to stabilize the divided centre stem the foot rest section and/or the seat section may be designed with cut-outs in the area of the centre stem columns 3a and 3b, enabling these cut-outs, for example as shown at reference numeral 20 in Figure 1, to encircle the said centre stem columns 3a and 3b to a greater or smaller extent. In particular in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cut-out 20 forms a wavy profile where the outer edges of the cut-out 20' embraces parts of the centre stem columns 3a and 3b which are opposite to the slit 4a in between, and this contributes towards the slit 4b maintaining a substantially constant width, even if the said tightener elements are pressed hard into the slit 4a during securing of the said continuously adjustable sup¬ porting members 2a, 2b, 2c. In Figures 7 and 8 is shown a chair M corresponding to the one previously mentioned, but here with the foot rest section removed, but with the back rest section 14 and the seat section 13 shown in various positions along the previously mentioned centre stem slit 4a lying between the centre stem columns 3a and 3b. In Figure 9, showing in perspective a lower section of a further embodiment of the invention, is reidentified the divided centre stem 3 comprising two centre stem columns, 3a and 3b respectively, defining between them the cut-out or the slit 4a. In the present case, the centre stem columns 3a and 3b are inserted into a lower common transverse leg 5' having been made with a completely or partly round surface to allow rolling on the floor, while at the same time the leg 5' extends across the centre stem columns 3a and 3b. At the root of the divided centre stem 3 comprising the centre stem columns 3a and 3b, a cross leg 6' is fitted, resembling a boomerang, the said cross leg 6' together with the previously mentioned leg 5' forming a foot cross for the actual assembled structure or piece of furniture concerned. Nevertheless, the transverse leg 5' and the cross leg 6' do not in the present instance form a stable foot cross, but a foot cross which permits a certain rocking movement or swinging movement of the centre stem 3 relative to the base on which the structure is placed. This rocking movement can be procured because the cross leg 6' is yieldingly mounted in the slit 4a between the centre stem columns 3a and 3b, the cross leg 6' being made with a middle section 206 comprising slanting surfaces 209 which in turn correspond to the slanting surfaces 103 made on the respective centre stem columns 3a and 3b. At its middle section 206, the cross leg 6' has moreover been made with a yielding body 207 fastened at its top to a peg 211 placed in the slit 4a between the centre stem columns 3a and 3b, and preferably prestressed in the direction towards the base or the floor. If the centre stem 3 is affected in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 1, the cross leg 5' will rotate in the direction of arrow A' while at the same time the cross leg 6' will be able to move somewhat upwards along the centre slit 4a between the centre stem columns 3a and 3b in the direction of the arrow A' ' until the elastic body 207 becomes so compressed as to physically preclude any further inclination of the centre stem 3 in the direction of arrow A. Depending on the play between the slanting or curved surfaces 103 on the centre stem 3 and the slanting or curved surfaces 209 on the cross leg 6', as well as the prestressing in the elastic body 207, the cross leg 6' will also perform a gliding movement along the floor, possibly a somewhat see-sawing movement rela¬ tive to the floor. Similarly, if the centre stem 3 is affected to make it tip in the direction of arrow B, the cross leg 5' will be rotated in the direction of arrow B' entailing in turn that the cross leg 6' will be able to be lifted a cor¬ responding distance upwards along the centre slit 4a between the centre stem columns 3a and 3b. In opposite movements towards the neutral position shown in Figure 9, the cross leg 6' will correspondingly, after having been moved in the direction of arrow A' ' , move in the direction of arrow B'' until possible further contact against the base on which the structure rests. It should be understood that a similar principle of yielding mounting can be used not only in the lower pat of a structural element in the manner mentioned in con- nection with Figure 9, but also generally for any sup¬ porting member comprising continuously adjustable suppor¬ ting members relative to a divided centre stem. It can thus be understood that the supporting members mentioned in connection with Figures 1-6, in particular the supporting members 2a and 2b, carrying respectively a foot rest 12, a seat section 13, may comprise yielding bodies so designed as to allow the foot rest 12 and/or the seat section 13 to swing up and down in the slit between the centre stem columns within certain suitable limits, i.e. still remain continuously adjustable relative to the divided centre stem with slanting or partially curved sliding/locking surfaces. In Figures 10 and 11 is shown a variant of the fastening of the locking devices, the first supporting member, in this case the centre stem 303, having a cut-out or a slit 304a or being made up of two centre stem columns, 303a and 303b respectively, along whole or part of its extent, but here made with wave-shaped locking surfaces 409X which engage with corresponding wave-shaped locking sur- faces 409Y on a second adjustable supporting member. The adjustable supporting member 403 comprises a forward sup ¬ porting element 409a which has the said wavy locking sur ¬ faces 409, and a rear supporting element 409b having a rotatable wheel 410 attached to a bolt 411 protruding through the slit 304a and into the forward supporting element 409a for mutual tightening or loosening of the elements 409a and 409b. In the embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, the second adjustable supporting member 403 could be a supporting member as such, with e.g. a seat board or a foot board or similar board for use in furniture or the like. The wavy areas 409X and 409Y may be made so that the waves have areas which join along slanting wave surfaces 409W while the troughs and crests of the waves may have a margin relative to each other, see the spaces 409Z in Figure 11. Special features of this design may be summarised as follows: a) a centre stem which is divided or has a slit, with substantially slanting or partially curving or wavy sliding/locking surfaces, b) supporting members with sliding/locking surfaces. slanting or partially curved or wavy relative to the centre stem being divided or having a slit, c) locking pieces/sliding pieces of identical design to parts or sections of the divided centre stem, d) more or less encircling user surfaces which support the slit between the two parallel centre stem columns, e) wave shaped sliding/locking surfaces providing better control and larger contact surfaces for locking, while also keeping the slit or the centre column cut-out from splitting f) yielding mounting of supporting members, permitting limited or controlled movement relative to the centre stem, g) simple mounting of back rest, seat and foot rest, without special tools, h) great possibilities for variations in furniture design, comprising chairs, pedestals, book-cases, small tables, long (refectory) tables etc., all made in one overall design which is readily adaptable to existing living environments or office environments, i) the same solution may be utilized in structural elements comprising two or more columns extending up- wards, e.g. two, four or six upwards extending columns whereby the locking mechanism will then need to be adapted to the space available between adjoining columns.

Claims: C l a i m s 1. An arrangement in structural elements, e.g. in con¬ nection with furniture, particularly seating furniture or occasional furniture, comprising at least a first and second supporting member (l, 2a, 2b, 2c) each comprising a section (3a, 3b, 9a, 9b) with a cut-out (4a, 4a) , the cut-outs being adapted so as to allow the supporting members (1, 2a, 2b, 2c) to be inserted retrievably into each other for mutual interconnection, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the first supporting member (1) comprises a centre stem (3) , divided or having a slit, with substantially slanting or partially curved or wavy sliding/locking surfaces (193) , and that the second supporting member (2a, 2b, 2c) comprises con¬ tinuously adjustable supporting members with slanting or partially curved or wavy sliding/locking surfaces (109, 110) relative to the divided centre stem (3) . 2. An arrangement as stated in Claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the second sup¬ porting member (2a, 2b, 2c) comprises locking pieces (9b, 10a, 10b) of identical design to parts or sections of the divided centre stem (4) . 3. An arrangement as stated in Claim 1 or 2 c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the second suppor¬ ting member (2a, 2b, 2c) comprises a forward supporting element (9a) arranged so as to carry a user surface (14) , and a movable wedge section (10a) being secured to the forward supporting element (9a) , and a rotatable section (10b) serving as tightening device for the wedge section (10a) . 4. An arrangement as stated in Claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the movable wedge section (10a) is secured to the forward supporting element (9a) via e.g. a threaded bolt (11) , the said threaded bolt (11) extending through the wedge section (10a) and into the rotatable part (10b) , an elastic yielding body (15) being arranged between the wedge shaped section (10a) and the rotatable part (10b) . 5. An arrangement as stated in one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the second sup- porting member (2a, 2b, 2c) carries a user surface (12) comprising in the area of the centre stem columns (3a, 3b) one or several cut-outs (20) more or less encircling the centre stem columns (3a, 3b) . 6. An arrangement as stated in Claim 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the cut-out (20) in the user surface (12) creates a wave-shaped profile where the outer edges (20') of the cut-out (20) embrace areas of the centre stem columns (3a, 3b) facing away from the slit (4) between them. 7. An arrangement as stated in one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the divided centre stem (3) is held together by suitable distance pieces (17) , e.g. guide pegs or such like which can be fitted at the construction site, or already hold together the said pair of centre stem columns (3a, 3b) to form cut-outs between them for insertion of the said second supporting member (2a, 2b, 2c) . 8. An arrangement as stated in one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that it comprises two or several supporting members (1) with a divided centre stem, each of the supporting members (l) comprising a pair of centre stem columns forming 60° or less relative to each other, as well as one or several other supporting members (2a, 2b, 2c) being continuously movable and lockable in the centre stem slits arranged between the centre stem columns. 9. An arrangement as stated in Claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the first supporting member (l) comprises a divided centre stem (3) arranged vertically or slanting, and comprises a lower pair of leg elements (5a, 5b) protruding in opposite directions at the root of respective centre stem columns (3a, 3b) , and that the arrangement further has a pair of leg elements (6a, 6b) forming, together with the said lower pair of leg elements (5a, 5b) of the centre stem (3) a stable self-supporting foot cross. 10. An arrangement as stated in Claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the second con¬ tinuously adjustable supporting member (6') comprises yielding bodies (207) which allow controlled movement relative to the centre stem (3) . 11. An arrangement as stated in Claim 10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the second suppor- ting member (6') is executed as a cross leg crossing the slit (4a) of the divided centre stem (3) and being at its middle area (206) made with slanting or curving surfaces (209) corresponding to the slanting or partially curved sliding/locking surfaces (103) of the centre stem slit (4a), and also comprises yielding bodies (207). 12. An arrangement as stated in Claim 11, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the yielding bodies (207) prestress the cross leg (6') against the base underneath the structural element or chair but permits a movement (A'', B'') controlled against a counter-force, of the cross leg (6') in the slit at different angular positions of the centre stem (3) , in particular when the latter has a lower transverse leg (5') supporting the centre stem (3) and permitting rolling (A', B'). 13. An arrangement as stated in Claim l, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the first supporting member (303) has wave-shaped locking and guiding surfaces (409X) which engage into corresponding wave-shaped locking and guiding surfaces of a second adjustable supporting member (403) . 14. An arrangement as stated in Claim 13, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the wave-shaped locking and guiding surfaces (409X, 409Y) have straight function areas (409W) and margins at top and bottom.

Inventors: MENGSHOEL HANS, RYKKEN ODDVIN, MENGSHOEL, HANS, RYKKEN, ODDVIN
Applicants: MENGSHOEL HANS, RYKKEN ODDVIN, MENGSHOEL, HANS, RYKKEN, ODDVIN
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A47B96
IPC codes: A47B57, A47C3, F16B12